CEB not maximizing high rainfall for power generation says experts

by Ifham Nizam

Independent engineers and energy experts on Friday criticized the Ceylon Electricity Board’s (CEB) Systems Control Division for not fully utilizing available hydro capacity boosted by heavy rain over the last 10 days.

They alleged that the some officials were keen on thermal power generation using expensive fossil fuel and coal, the prices of which keep rising in global markets. The situation is further aggravated by the depreciating rupee.

It is reliably understood that the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) would inquire into non-maximizing production of hydro electricity in current wet weather.

A retired senior electrical engineer said that the CEB’s System Control Center must use available weather information including long term forecasts to maximize the generation of hydropower.

This was essential in the context of slower water inflows to power generating reservoirs due to deforestation.

He said that environmental factors like global warming caused greater evaporation of water in the oceans resulting in the heavy downpours now experienced.

But forecasting these is not easy and the CEB policy of uninterrupted power supply influences decisions to conserve water for dry season generation. This results in hydropower generation not being maximized even when reservoirs are spilling. This could be considered a revenue loss for the CEB.

He advocated a ‘smart grid’ saying that an ‘uninterrupted power supply at any cost principle’ must be avoided with effective demand management and consumer cooperation. Consumers must be educated about sometimes necessary power interruptions and must be taught not to strain the supply by overloading it at peak times.

The CEB has to also contend with the need for irrigation water decided weekly in consultation with the Irrigation Department and the Mahaweli Authority.

Energy analyst Dr. Vidhura Ralapanawe said that there was no necessity for the CEB to run expensive gas turbines at present as there was an adequate water in the reservoirs and expressed concern about an unsystematic approach while the world was tilting towards clean energy.